29 June 2011

FIAT AND GUCCI ANNOUNCE UK LAUNCH OF 500BYGUCCI AVAILABLE NOW

Two Italian powerhouses, Fiat and Gucci, have united to create the 500byGucci which hits UK shores this month. 

The 500byGucci is a special edition of the iconic Fiat 500 which has been customised by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat’s Centro Stile, supported by the strategic expertise of Lapo Elkann.  This union validates Fiat’s standing both as a motoring icon and 21st century design leader. 

When launched in 1957, the Fiat 500 soon became the must have car of its time and, since then, the design has constantly evolved, focussing on customisation to broaden its appeal.  

Currently, there are 500,000 ways to customise a Fiat 500 and the new 500byGucci has taken this to next level by also developing a range of fashion items and accessories uniquely designed by Frida Giannini to appeal to the most discerning style influencers.  The collection includes travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver’s gloves, sunglasses and a watch, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online.

Speaking of the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said, “As a creative, I feel an affinity with the UK.  Like Italy, Britain is a nation that embraces and nurtures innovation, design and individuality.  As such, I’m honoured that London is playing host to the UK launch of this iconic Italian partnership in what is a very important anniversary year for Italy. It has indeed been very gratifying to work on this project with Frida Giannini and Fiat’s Centro Stile.”

Frida Giannini commented, “Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year.” 

500byGucci – Style Notes

The 500byGucci comes in two colours; classic black and white with a distinctive glitter finish. These two exceptional colours complement one another – the black with detailing in shiny chrome is paired with contrasting interiors for a contemporary and racy attitude.  The white with satin chrome detailing offers a softer more sophisticated look. 

The car’s silhouette is outlined by Gucci’s signature green-red-green stripe, which runs along the entire perimeter.  The signature stripe also appears inside on the seats, the key-cover, the carpets and seatbelts. 

The interior space is stylish yet functional down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the two-toned seats in Frau Leather with the Guccissima print.  

The wheel trims feature the interlocking GG in the same colour as the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the side and rear doors. 

500byGucci will be available in the UK with two engines: the economical 1.2 litre and the award-winning 0.9 litre TwinAir

02 June 2011

The popularity of Fiat’s award-winning 500 and its TwinAir engine, together with consistent improvements in terms of quality, reliability and customer service, have helped move Fiat upwards in the recent JD Power satisfaction survey.

An overall position of 22nd place is the highest that the brand has achieved in the survey since it began in 1994, and is the result of an on-going project designed to move Fiat steadily up the satisfaction rankings. Three years ago the company finished 29th and last year it was in 26th position.

“Clearly, there is a massive amount of work still to be done,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “However, the positive results of the task we initiated three years ago to improve customer satisfaction in Fiat and its products are starting to show through.

“We know there is a long way to go. But I am sure that these last two years of steadily improving results will continue to be seen in future JD Power surveys.”

Several factors have combined to improve Fiat’s standing in this important survey, including a big drive to improve the service offered by Fiat’s network of dealers, and a desirable range of cars that people want to buy and own. In the survey’s City Car category, Fiat 500 finished 2nd while the Fiat Panda came 4th.

“Owners rated the Fiat 500 as more appealing than any other city car available, especially because of its retro styling and impeccable driving manners,” says JD Power. It also comments: “Down from second spot in last year’s survey, but the seven-year-old Panda is still showing well. Owners found it easy to get into and out of, and praised Fiat dealers for their servicing.”

Greater reliability, and award-winning technology, such as MultiAir and TwinAir engines and the eco:Drive fuel saving equipment, have also been appreciated by customers.

Last month the TwinAir engine was voted International Engine of the Year, while eco:Drive, which has won many awards, has just been named Brand Innovator of the Year in the Marketing Week Engage 2011 Awards.